Jason Garrison (8) tallied the first goal in the game for the Panthers, cashing in on a power play opportunity at the 10:06 mark of the first period of play. Kris Versteeg (12) netted a 21 foot wrister for the 2-0 Florida lead at the 1:09 mark of the second period.

Derek Stephan (4) recorded the first goal for the Rangers at the 4:18 mark, tallying a 45 foot snap shot, which was assisted by Marian Gaborik (7) and Ryan McDonagh (5). The Rangers finished the final two periods with a combined 12 shots, but could not find the equalizer.

Blueshirts keeper Henrik Lundqvist earned the second-star of the game, making 36 saves in the cage. Newest New York blueliner Anton Stralman earned a plus-one rating, finishing with two hits in his first game.

The road trip for the Rangers continues on Friday, as the head to the Nation’s Capital for a Friday showdown against the Washington Capitals.The game is scheduled to air on the MSG network, with face-off slated for 4:00 p.m.